“ I will not be treated with rudeness by a parcel of school-girls, who mistake vulgarity for wit.” - ouch! 😯

“The metallic, monochrome landscape pulsated with the constant, low rumbling of an unhappy world. It made my skin crawl.”

“What could go wrong?”

#FirstLineFridays
@ShyBookOwl

I liked the characters and the story, however, as a person who is not a fan of sport I struggled to appreciate the love for the game with the enthusiasm of Pat.

“I eagerly crack open the book and can feel myself getting smarter as I turn the first few pages.”

Wow I wish 😳😁📚

I really struggled with the language style, I could just about follow the story of a governess who believes that she is seeing spirits that are somehow tied to the children she is caring for. However the language was so dense that it was a trial to read.

“I know all about the facts of life and I don‘t think much of them.” 🤣 Cassandra Mortmain, 17

“The life of the poor is not changing half as much as that of those with money, who can go to the Bath House or to the post office. If your only family is your daughter, and she lives with you, what use is the post office?”

I have a dilemma I‘m setting up a new reading journal for 2023 and can‘t decide which one to go with - the first one has stars on the corners of each page which is nice but does reduce space to write and the middle one is quite a bit larger and also pretty - I very much like them all - any opinions/votes which one I should choose. Thanks. 😊

“But the system we have chosen can lead only to further enslavement to an ever mounting assortment of devices, the workings of which we do not understand and must depend upon others to keep in good repair.”

George Sanders hit the nail right on the head in 1960 his book was published. #prophecy

A straightforward breakdown of the definition of asexuality, its myths and the various points along the spectrum and in addition the author explores her own asexual journey. She also provides some guidelines to further reading, websites and Facebook groups to join.

Can‘t.find the book I‘ve just read on Litsy 😥 - Death At The Happiness Club by Cecilia Peartree - I did put in a request over 3 weeks ago but no luck. I don‘t want to add a book that I haven‘t read to my Read list - can I ask what do other Litsy users do in this situation? Thanks 😬🙂

A grandfather searches for redemption for past mistakes whilst navigating the Seine aboard the Dragonfly. The book covers a maelstrom of emotions at times sad, hopeful, angry, reflective, loving, acceptance of things you cannot change. I found it interesting but a frustrating read.

Enjoying the descriptions of mucking about on the Seine but ... mmmmm not so much “he tossed his own cigarette into the river” - second time the character Colin has done this 👎🤬 for no reason especially as he only smokes one cigarette a day 😣

Book 3 of the Blackmoore sisters cozy mysteries series. After having read the first 3 books I definitely want to continue reading as I had fun in their world, the 4 sisters living in their spooky 24 room mansion tackling mysteries and sparring with their nemesis Sheriff Overton.

2nd book in the Blackmoore sisters cozy mystery series- I like the emphasis on the sisters bond and the mystery story rather than on the romance element. Although I would appreciate it if the author could cut back on the clenching, lurching and jerking that the girls‘ hearts and stomachs do almost every couple of pages 🙄🤣

I actually read this on the kindle as a set containing Books 1-3 but that version is not available on Litsy. My Mum really enjoyed these so I read them on her recommendation and I think they are a really good entry in the cozy mystery genre.

Heartbreaking true story of 4 members of the Clutter family murdered in 1959 Holcomb, Kansas. Capote avoids sensationalising events but uses his exceptional journalistic talents to try to understand the town, residents, murderers, their family upbringing + the fateful choices/events that led them to that night. He doesn‘t give a word 4 word transcription of the trial but concentrates on the personalities, the legal limitations + verdict aftermath.

“He‘s dying. I don‘t think he minds anymore.”

The mother of Richard Hickock, infamous murderer describing her husband, Richard‘s father‘s state of mind. So incredibly sad - it‘s not just victim and killer but so many others who are affected when a crime is committed.

Interconnecting stories in a non-chronological timeline each chapter focusing on a different character doesn‘t allow for an emotional connection to be established. Reading the reviews I just wonder were we reading the same novel because I don‘t recognise the one they are describing.

Why is it that so many Pulitzer and Booker prize winning novels are so darned weird?

It‘s odd reading a novel about characters you don‘t like but I should reserve judgment as I‘m only 50 pages in. 😯

I have read one of his books before and really enjoyed it, they are real boys own adventures and good fun and this was no exception. No time is wasted in getting on with the adventure, there are plenty of perilous exploits, spies, treasure and a little romance thrown in too. Good fun.

I ❤️the fact that there is a lot of Dobby/house elfs thx also to Hermoine fighting for their rights. Neither Snape nor Dumbledore feature very dominantly + I missed them. I felt sorry for Ron struggles with growing up, his conflicting + confusing feelings for Hermoine + his jealousy of Harry threatens their friendship. Stephen did a bangup job which is not easy as sometimes my mind wanders off so it shows how good he is that he keeps me listening.

HELP! 😀
I can‘t decide which trilogy to read as I really fancy both so I‘d appreciate your opinion - A Discovery Of Witches OR The Magicians 🤔
Thanks

One of those books where you enjoy the journey but the ending is a little mmmm. I like books about books so I shared Clay‘s curiosity as he unravelled mysteries surrounding the bookstore. However, the reason ultimately has been used in so many novels but the way Clay arrives at the truth, his friends who help him + the mesh between the past and future technologies was fun. There is a prequel but the novel didn‘t arouse my interest in knowing more.

Such a good question ! - For me it‘s the adventure of reading, the places you can go, expanding your vocabulary BUT also with reading I have to think not just be a passenger 💭 when I‘m watching TV it just rolls past you but reading I have to concentrate, engage, you see more.

So why do you love books so much? 📚

For those who suffer from OCD and anxiety this is an excellent guide to living with and recovery each chapter deals with a different aspect with an exercise at the end. It‘s not an easy ride he makes you work it is difficult but thought provoking and spot on. Recommend.

First book I‘ve read since March not having a job was so stressful 😔 that I couldn‘t concentrate. But I‘ve just finished my 3rd week at my new job 😀 so I‘m dipping my toe back in. I thought what could be better than a book about books. 📚

I liked the journal style but the language is often difficult to follow esp Van Helsing. However, it was a good read with me mentally shouting at characters esp in the battle to save Lucy and keeping things secret! Castle scenes were very atmospheric. I admired Mina as although she was a victim she was a strong woman fighting back. I would definitely recommend reading the novel if you‘re a fan of the vampire genre as this is where it started.

I normally enjoy Steve Berry's style of fast paced writing, he usually keeps the story moving along really well. However, I struggled with this entry in the Cotton Malone series, as it is not so much an adventure this time as a struggle to protect the President from an historical threat. I found that it didn't capture my attention and I did find my interest waning I hope that the next instalment revitalises my love of this series.

Disappointed - too long, tiresome and turgid. If you want to read a book about how crap cops treat each other then this is the book for you. Cindy Decker, daughter of cop Peter acquires a stalker but instead of seeking support she hides it. Oh and what‘s with the obsession with sweat 😓 ugh 😴.

Michael Palin would be proud even Dracula reads Bradshaw‘s Gude 🤣

I didn‘t remember Dracula having a white moustache as described in Dracula but found this photo of Christopher Lee and Vlad the Impaler had one too so makes sense. Nowadays he tends to be clean shaven.

In 2003 I visited Brân Castle on the border of Transylvania and Wallachia which has long had an association with Dracula. It certainly has plenty of atmosphere ?‍♂️ and it snowed the day I took this photo.

On my way home tonight I walk over London Bridge looking forward to reading my book on the train when I spotted Santa‘s hat all lit up at St Katharine‘s Docks and I couldn‘t resist taking a pic 🎅

Starting my next Steve Berry book in the Cotton Malone series really enjoy these adventure stories a really nice easy fast paced read.

Like generations of children I fell in love with reading largely due to Enid Blyton and she hasn‘t lost the ability to enchant. The last in the Adventure series, set near the borders of Syria bringing the colourful world to life. I adore Kiki, the parrot the most and I still see Dinah, Jack, Lucy-Ann and Philip out there still pursuing adventures.

Sherlock Holmes 🕵️ “Women are never to be entirely trusted - not the best of them.” - bloody cheek!

If you want a light cozy mystery then Witch At Heart fits the bill, likeable characters, interesting setting and enough of a story without being overly complicated and both supernatural and a murder mystery.

Jack Finney's descriptions of NY of the 1880s are captivating, the illustrations and photographs add to the pleasure of reading the story which slowly ramps up the tension as events are set in motion that have a momentous impact on the characters, and how a small seemingly insignificant event can have a life changing effect. An exciting and worthy addition to the time travel canon, if you love time travel books read this you won't be disappointed.

“that most people in this world have very little to be thankful for, and very little reason to thank God for life at all”

I‘ve read this book at least 3 times and although it is the great story and the descriptions of NY of 1880s I love, the illustrations and photographs bring the story to life.

Just started a new temporary job and my anxiety means I find it difficult to concentrate so thought I‘d revisit an oldie but goodie 😊

There are two paths in life: listening to the mind, with its endless stream of judgements, beliefs and thoughts, or living life in this moment. #mindfulness #peace #health

Life is proving stressful at the moment so sorely in need of treating myself carefully, trying not to overreact to situations, and mindfulness is the TLC my mind and body needs. The book is accompanied by 10 audio tracks and Oil Doyle has a very calming voice. #mindfulness #health #mind #tlc

Ooh just spotted this in WH Smith looks good. 'Enjoy' an historical true crime story like Mr Briggs' Hat and The Suspicions of Mr Whicher. #SherlockHolmes #truecrime